Black Americans still suffer worse health. Here’s why there’s so little progress The United States has made almost no progress in closing racial health disparities despite promises, research shows. The government, some critics argue, is often the underlying culprit. Read more on NPR

N.C. State quarterback Grayson McCall retires from football at 23 after concussions McCall was carted off the field earlier this month after a hit to the head. After consulting with brain specialists, he wrote on Instagram that the injury was “one that I cannot come back from.” Read more on NPR

South Korea warns it may send Ukraine weapons after North Korea sent troops to Russia So far, South Korea has helped Ukraine by providing arms to the U.S. and other countries. But South Korea’s government said that could change with North Korean troops deploying for Russia. Read more on NPR

BeyHive meets KHive: Beyonce set to perform at Houston rally for Harris Vice President Harris will have a special guest at her rally in Houston on Friday: Beyonce. Read more on NPR

2024 Student Podcast Challenge Honorable Mentions Here are the honorable mentions from the 2024 Student Podcast Challenge. Congratulations! Read more on NPR

How is the world doing on climate change? Not great Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and the world is still on track for severe climate change impacts, a new U.N. report finds. Countries will meet for international climate talks next month. Read more on NPR

Beyond campuses and churches, can Charlie Kirk turn out votes for Trump? Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has focused his political organization on winning Trump another turn. But many longtime Republicans are concerned about the group’s effectiveness. Read more on NPR

Young voters’ elation for Harris may be plateauing. And, redefining ‘conservative’ Harris initially generated renewed enthusiasm as a presidential candidate, but that may be leveling off among young voters. And, a rural family is redefining what it means to be conservative. Read more on NPR

The story of the American migrant — from Dust Bowl to a new life Pat Rush and her family left Arkansas in the wake of one of the largest migrations in U.S. history, in the hope of making a better life for themselves out west. Read more on NPR

Youth cheerleading is getting more athletic — and riskier As the female-dominated sport gets more acrobatic, girls are racking up more concussions and other injuries. A new pediatricians’ report calls for change. Read more on NPR